The TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue run by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West has been hailed a big success after the program celebrated its first year last week at Hive Orange.
Over the past six months ten Year 11 students from Orange, Molong and Canowindra were partnered with ten community champions for a unique mentoring experience
RDA Central West CEO, Sam Harma said despite the challenges everyone has faced this year due to COVID-19, the enthusiasm and engagement from the participating students and mentors has been impressive and inspiring.
“Leadership is at the core of our program and mentoring plays a major role in fostering the next generation of young leaders,” said Mr Harma.
“I want to thank the mentors who have been involved in the first year of the TEN4TEN program and given up their time, provided support and advice and imparted their expertise to the first cohort of students.
“I would also like to acknowledge the ten students selected to take part in TEN4TEN and congratulate them on being successful, for displaying exemplary leadership skills and making the most of the experience.”
The program officially launched in July and started with a speed networking event between the students and mentors. The guest speaker was the Hon. Fiona Nash – Strategic Adviser at Charles Sturt University.
Following the launch, the students visited Orange City Council for afternoon tea with Mayor Reg Kid, council’s directors and CEO; took part in a lunch with Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee MP at Hive Orange and enjoyed a BBQ with Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP at his Orange electorate office.
Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General – Agriculture, Kate Lorimer Ward, also gave the students a tour of the new DPI building, Pip Brett hosted a morning tea at Jumbled and NSW Minister for Regional Youth, the Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, held a zoom meeting with the students.
“The TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue has forged new partnerships, opened doors, offered advice, acted as both a learning and teaching experience but more importantly, provided a window into the countless opportunities that are available in regional New South Wales and more specifically – here in the Central West,” added Mr Harma.
“The Central West is home to a high calibre of leaders and this was evident at the very beginning of the program. The future of our region is bright, and in good hands!”
RDA Central West intends to deliver the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue again in 2021. Find out more about the program on the RDA Central West website at rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/ten4ten